New York Mets release pitcher Rocky Cherry

Scott Rovak/US PresswireThe Mets released pitcher Rocky Cherry Tuesday, but he might be resigned by the team after clearing waivers.

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The Mets released relief pitcher Rocky Cherry Tuesday after he cleared waivers, but a team spokesman said Cherry could be re-signed to a minor-league contract.

Cherry, a Rule 5 draft pick, was offered back to the Baltimore Orioles after clearing waivers, but the Orioles declined to pay the $25,000 fee to get him back.

The Mets acquired Cherry, who had a 2.25 ERA in four Grapefruit League innings, for $50,000 from the Orioles in last year's Rule 5 draft.

If they re-sign him to a minor-league deal, they will have the flexibility to keep him in the organization without keeping him on the major-league roster, as teams must do to avoid the risk of losing Rule 5 players.